PS 3521 
.154 W4 

[1901 
Copy 1 



wHO AND WHAT 

AND WHERE 

IS GOD> 




L, ESTELLE DAY KING. 



Class 
Book 




Copyright ]^^ 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



V 



WHO AND WHAT AND WHERE 
IS GOD} 



BY 



L. ESTELLE DAY KING 



Ask, 3Lsk until Truth's ^ns^er shdl thy e^ery question meet. 
Seek, seek until Life's treasures shall thy faithful vision greet. 
Knock, knock until Wisdom's portal shall be STVung open 'wide. 
Let, let the Principle of Lo^e fore'ver be thy guide. 



i-^ 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 

NEW LONDON, OHIO 
J90J 



pMfc LIBRARY OP 

j eOMGRESS, 
Two C0HE8 RecErvcD 

JAN. 10 1 

nCopy«WGHT ENTRY 

r'jTn^. / a^/cfr.i.- 
oi.t^s^ a^ XXa Ho, 

COPY a. 

I II 




COPYRIGHTED 



Wisdom waits for every head, 
And Love for every heart; 
Light exists for every eye, 
And Truth for every ear; 
There is Good for every hand, 
A Way for every foot; 
Salvation awaits each soul, 
Life g-ives itself to plan 
And unfold the perfect man — 
God stands while eons roll. 



DEDICATION. 

To all who read these words, 

No matter who they are; 
Whether of low or hig-h degree, 

Whether near or far, 

My Friends, 

To him whose childhood days 

Are to me as f rag-rant flowers; 

Whose faithful face has g-iven me 
Many happy hours. 

My Brother. 

To him whose indulg-ent heart 

Has seldom said me nay. 
And whose loving kindnesses 

I never can repay. 

My Father. 

To her through whom I owe my all, 
And whose noble spirit no sod 

Can cover. Who is love itself, 

And who I hold as next to God, 
My Mother. 

I lovingly dedicate these lines. 

L. EsTKLLE D. King, 



PROEM. 

The La^w is changeless. 
We reap as ive som) ; 

To all good say **Yes/^ 
To error say **No/^ 



Dear heart, are you reaping sickness or sorro^w ? 

Ha've you sown tares (error thoughts) ^th your nvheat? 
Cheer up, re-so^w, there's a bright, bright tomorroTv, 

For Love is the Lam> and Mercy doth mete. 



CONTENTS. 



Dedication - - - - - - 5 

Proem^ -__-.. 7 

Whol 10 

Humanity^ s Hearty - - - - 11 

Who and What and Where is God ? - - - 12 

Tour Choice^ _ . _ - . 23 

Friendships - • - - ' . - 26 

At-one-ment^ _ _ . - _ 27 

''We Come Forth From God;' - - - 30 

Forgive^ .._--- 33 

The Law of Attraction s - - - - 38 

Our Redhirds^ _ _ - _ - 40 

Life's Lesson s^ - - - - - 44 

Little by Little, ----- 46 

Stand in the Sunlight, - - - - 48 

Grasp Good Only, - - - - 50 

Tzf^ FF^r/^5, ' 52 

The Story of a Broken Lens^ - - - 53 

The Power that Won, - - - - 70 

Optimism, ------ 74 

Thanksgiving Eve, - - - - - 75 

Christmas Chifnes, - - - - 76 

New Tear's Bells, - - - - - 77 

Could I ! ' - ' - ' - 78 

/ Want, - - - - - - 80 



WHO} 

up rose the thoug-ht, earnest and sincere, 

Par above ; 
Down fell the words, so sweet and clear, 

God is Love. 

WHAT) 

Forth went the question, fervent and long, 

Like a ruth ; 
Back came the answer, firm and strong-, 

God is Truth. 

WHERE} 

Without stands the query often heard, 

Here and there ; 
Within lies the true, silent word, 

Everywhere. 



11 



HUMANITY'S HEART. 

This God which the world has so long- been seeking* 

Can never be found in any one place; 
Listen, dear soul, to your true self speaking-, 

You will find Him quickest in the heart of the Race. 

First, seek within yourself, g-o clear down to the core, 

Find your own individuality, then dare 
To look straig-ht into all hearts as never before. 

And you will see God's indwelling" spirit is there. 

Be true. The confidences and secrets of others 
Hold just as sacred as you hold your very own; 

Not just blood, but kindly sympathy, makes brothers, 
We are kin in mind and soul as well as flesh and bone. 

When you have found this God in Humanity's heart, 
And your faith in all mankind you bravely declare ; 

Then you will see that all thing-s are of Him a part, 
And that God and His King-dom are everywhere. 



12 

WHO AND WHAT AND WHERE IS GOD } 

Who and what is God ? Is a question asked down all 

the ages, 
It has burst from the lips of babes and out from the 

hearts of sag'es. 
But though children ask of children and wise men seek 

from above, 
None will receive a better answer than St. John's — ** God 

is love." 

What is Life ? Has also perplexed philosophers of every 

ag-e, 
For an answer they have searched the ancient records 

page by page ; 
But only the ones have found it who could turn away 

and look 
Deep down in Nature — God's masterpiece — the greatest, 

grandest book 

He could write, and there learn the lesson taught in every 

word and line, 
That Life is God, and God is Life, immutable and 

Divine. 
Pure, perfect, whole and eternal, without beginning or 

end, 
God, Nature, Life, all into one harmonious unit blend. 



13 



What is Truth ? As asked bj Pilate in the long-, long- 

ag-o, 
Will be repeated by his brethren till each has learned to 

know 
That Truth is God, and God is Truth, unalterable, the 

same 
Yesterday, today, and forever, no matter by what name 



You wish to call it, whether God, Love, Life, Truth, 

Nature or Spirit, 
It is the Creator, and all thing's are created in it ; 
It is the Great Primal Source of man and beast, and 

plant and clod ; 
It is the very Life of all that lives, but men have named 

it God. 



Yet its real name — the one which descended on Christ 

as a dove — 
Is ever and always the sweetest, and this one name is 

Love. 
From it spring's all our loyalty and trust, our patience, 

hope and g'race, 
It is immortal youth and beauty, the soul behind each 

face. 



14 



God is Intellig*ence itself, and has made all that is made, 
From the g-iatit worlds that roll throug-h space down to 

the grassy blade. 
God is the "Over-Soul" of the universe; the Great I 

Am, 
The Eg'O, Christ, or individuality of every man. 



Christ is the Light that shineth in the secret place of 

the Most Hig-h, 
The Soul-center — where God seems to leave off and man 

beg-in — the I 
Of each of us ; see this infinite side of every one you 

meet, 
Be he a prince within a palace, or a beg-gar on the 

street. 



God, the one creative energy, limitless and without 

flaw. 
Is the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Law 
Underlying all phenomena ; complete, changeless Being, 
In which there is no variableness or shadow of turning. 



15 



It is the "still, small voice,'' — that inward monitor 

which speaks to all — 
Aye, more, the very force which prompts us to listen and 

heed its call. 
As God is Unity, Law is one all-wise, universal will. 
To acknowledge it in all our ways, is to this Law fulfill. 



God is Perfection, and includes the sum-total of All 

Good, 
The only Presence, the only Power, and is understood 
To be the Divine Principle or Cause, which lies back 

behind 
All action, all thought, and all form — the one and only 

Mind. 



Cause is the builder of all form, for all form is but 

effect. 
Back of visibility lies this invisible Architect — 
Formless Mind — in which we are lived and moved and 

have our being". 
For God is all there is to be, to realize this is seeing- 



16 



That "All is Infinite Mind and its infinite manifesta- 
tion ; " 

That God is the Creator, creative action and creation. 

Both noumena and phenomena ; expressor and thing- 
expressed, 

Cause and effect, founder and foundation on which all 
things rest. 



*' O my God, where art thou ? " Many a suffering heart 

has cried. 
And many a hungry, homesick soul has sought Him far 

and wide ; 
" Where is God ? " Children with wondering eyes have 

asked o'er and o'er, 
And still the seeking-, still the asking", we hear it more 

and more. 



Yet our God is all about us, in the very air we breathe, 
In the ball of earth we tread and in the fleecy clouds 

which wreathe 
The blue dome o'erhead, in the heart of man, in the 

wild beast's lair, 
For God means Good, and the Principle of Good is 

everywhere. 



17 



As there is only God, and Him manifest in all nature 

and 
All living, there is no room for evil or a satan. Grand 
Is this conception of Deity as All in All. One Wisdom, 
One God rules without a rival, supreme in the only 

Kingdom. 

One substance, in, out of, and by which all things are 

created, 
One government sustains and governs all, and all are 

related ; 

Are bound together by common ties into one vast brother- 
hood. 

Are of one blood, each heart fed from the Great Heart 
of Absolute Good. 



This Source and Cause is Consciousness itself, thus we 

can comprehend 
How God is as a loving Father, tender Mother, faithful 

Friend; 
Overshadowed by His presence, though we feel as a 

little child. 
We can subdue the heart within us, which sometimes 

beats so wild. 



18 



God is all the health and streng-th and joj that we can 

ever possess, 
All the vig-or and vitality that any one can express; 
But we must first fulfill the law, and though we fail a 

thousand times, 
We must follow the Principle or we need not look for 

the sig-ns. 



We must live the life for life's own sake; seek the Truth 

because 'tis true, 
And with its holy presence be permeated throug-h and 

throug-h; 
Be at one with God, who is the Lig"ht that banishes the 

nig-ht. 
Do as we would have others do. Do right because it is 

right. 



Abide in the center of our being, in the innermost I, — 
Man's trysting place with the Divine, the secret place of 

the Most High. 
Be the Love which forever flows alike to every child of 

earth. 
No rich, no poor, no low, no high, for all are divine by 

birth. 



19 



Creative Love is Omnipresence, filling* every point of 

space, 
It is the Law of Attraction, and holds each planet in its 

place; 
It is the substance of the spheres, and keeps the stars 

a-shining-. 
And with its tender g-low g-ives to our clouds their 

g-olden lining". 

It portrays the g-lorious sunset with all its varied hue; 
It sends the blood through every vein, and sparkles in 

each drop of dew; 
It binds the atoms of the g^ranite rock, and lifts the 

ocean's foam; 
It is the essence of all friendships and the lig-ht of every 

home. 

It is the whiteness of the lily fair, the crimson of the 

rose, 
It forms the dainty snowflake and nourishes everything- 

that g-rows; 
It is that wondrous something- which makes our lives 

worth living-. 
Which overlooks all human errors and makes us all 

forg-iving". 



20 



It g-uides each wandering- comet as it rolls to and from 

the sun, 
We have all been prodig-als, and it bring-s us back one 

by one; 
For no man will ever turn away from what he knows to 

be true, 
And boundless, immeasurable Good enfolds every one 

of you. 

You have heard this same old story, doubtless, many 

times before, 
You read it in papers modern, you find it in ancient 

lore; 
But its sweetness never chang-es, whether found beneath 

or above. 
It is the same dear old story, the story that *'God is 

Love." 

But pardon, pray, this repetition, as this is the month of 

cheer. 
The merry month of Christmas, and you know it conies 

but once a year. 
Yet it means far more than feasts, g"ifts, and the loads 

of sweets and toys 
That fill the hung'-up-stocking-, the delig-ht of the g-irls 

and boys. 



21 



It means to the grown up men and women, and the little 

ones, too. 
That the " Christ " is born in the very core of every one 

of you; 
At the very center of your being*, where each is a son of 

God, 
Born of Spirit immaculate, of a Love fathomless and 

broad. 

The old Law ever holds true, that all things bring- forth 

after their kind, 
As Father, so son. The race was born in the Bethlehem 

of Mind, 
And the star that stood over the city shines as bright 

now as then, 
The wise ones follow it, and find Christ in all the 

children of men. 

"Like begets Like," that which is born of the Spirit 

must be Spirit; 
That which is born of inherent goodness must All Good 

inherit. 
*' God has only himself to make His children out of,^* 

thus every 
Birth is a Christ birth, and every child a Christmas child. 

Merry 



22 



And happy should be the heart from the cradle to tran- 
sition. 

Could we but bid the seeming-s stand aside and give 
Love permission 

To reig-n supreme, destroy all unlike itself, and thus cast 
out fear; 

We would have a truly merry Christmas, and have it all 
the year. 



Let's look beyond man's errors and see in all faces the 

Divine, 
Mold Faith in our Christmas manna, and pour Love in 

our New Year's wine; 
Then Peace shall come with g-ood will to men, and 

Heaven draw very near, 
I wish you all just such a Christmas, just such a Glad 

New Year. 



23 

YOUR CHOICE, 

An indescribable something- 
Lies back of all creation; 
Some call it '' Spirit" or *' Being-," 

Some " Stillness," some " Vibration," 
Some of us call it Love, 
But most of us call it God. 

Some call it ''Good " or "Unity," 

Others call it "Wisdom" or "Soul," 
Some "Principle," some "Deity," 

Others call it the "Perfect Whole," 

But I like to call it Love, 
And I also call it God. 

Some say it is the " Creator," 

Others call it the "Inmost I;" 
Some "Consciousness," some "Redeemer," 

Others, " The Word," or the "Most High," 
But I like to call it Love, 
Though I also call it God. 

Some say it is "Omnipresence," 

Others, the "Universal Man," 
Some "Omnipotence," some "Omniscience," 
Others call it the " Great I Am," 

But I like to call it Love, 
Though I often call it God. 



24 



Some call it the " Great Primal Source," 

Others, the "First Great Cause;" 
Some say it is "Power" or " Force," 
And others call it "Nature's Laws," 

But I like to call it Love, 
Yet I sometimes call it God. 

Some call it "Mind," some call it "Life," 

And still others call it "Truth;" 
Some call it "Peace," some call it Light," 
And others call it " Endless Youth," 
But I like to call it Love, 
Though I sometimes call it God. 

Some call it the ' ' Only Substance, " 
Others call it the "Holy One; " 
Some say it is "Intelligence," 

"Father," " Holy Ghost," and "Son," 
But I like to call it Love, 
Though I often call it God. 

Some say it is "The Infinite," 

Others call it the " Silent Voice;" 
Some say it is the "Law of Right," 
Each one names it his own choice. 

And so I name it Love, 
And I also name it God. 



25 



Some call it this, some call it that, 

Their choice I do not refute; 
Some saj it is ** Divinity," 

Others call it "The Absolute," 

Though I like to call it Love, 
Yet I also call it God. 

I like to call it God because 

This word includes all other names. 
All that it can be, is, or was. 

And the goal of all our aims. 

So sometimes I call it God, 
And sometimes I call it Love. 

I like to call it Love. Haven 

Of rest, and that dear word, Father, 
The essence of Home and Heaven, 

And that most sacred word. Mother, 

So I sometimes call it Love, 
And I sometimes call it God. 



^ FRIENDSHIP. 

A priceless treasure is a loj-al friend, 
Better than silver, yea, better than gold. 
Countless chang^es come and g^o, yet I hold 
Dauntless and fixed, is friendship to the end. 
Kvery attribute which man possesses 
Flows to him from the universal source — 
Gifts of the spirit. What a mighty force 
Has embodied itself in man ! Expresses 
Itself through him in that staunch being, friend. 
Just stop; think for what that word really stands. 
Know'st thou it stands for the Image and 
Likeness of God ? In it all qualities blend. 
Making it a pass-word into all lands, 
Nothing claimed for it is too great or grand. 

Open your soul to this divine inflow — 
Prayer is but the soul's sincere desire — 
Question thought not kindled with love's pure fire. 
Reach upward, then outward, strive to bestow 
Steadfast friendship which nothing can sever. 
True love seeks not for a return, but makes 
Us first, fast friends with all mankind, then takes 
Virtue's clear light and shines on forever. 
What ! Be false when others are false to me ? 
Xeriffs of tried gold should not tempt me so; 
Years should find us the same firm, faithful friends; 
Zealous champions for humanity 
& the good in each human heart. Hard ? No, 
God-love so anxiously its own defends. 



?7 

AT-ONE-MENT. 

As a stream is ever at-one with its source, 
Soman is at-one with The Great Life-Force; 
As lig-ht is ever the showing- forth of heat, 
And rocks are a part of the soil 'neath our feet, 
As all Nature bring-s forth, each after its kind, 
So man shows forth the One Universal mind. 
There can be no separation in Spirit, 
The children of God must All-Good inherit; 
As a ray of lig-ht comes from the sun above. 
So the real man comes forth from Infinite Love. 

Say not that he, like his flesh, is dust unto dust, 

For the imag-e and likeness of Spirit must 

Also be Spirit, pure, holy and divine. 

God is the All-in- All of your life and mine. 

To make this truth — Man's oneness with God, Spirit — 

Manifest, we must recog-nize it, claim it, 

Know that, in beiag- and essence, we are it, 

And then with earnest, steadfast purpose, live it. 

What of our failures, mistakes, or so-called sin ? 
Of the many prizes which we never win ? 
Of the yearning-s and long-ing-s which seem in vain ? 
Of the striving-s and heartaches mingled with pain ? 
They are mistakes made in the problem of life. 
For the works of Spirit are done without strife. 



2S 



It takes both Wisdom and Force to solve a problem. 
The Principle of Mathematics is emblem 
Of God, as the Divine Principle of Man 
And the Universe. 

To work life's problem can 
We succeed, unless we are one with Principle ? 
How can we be true unless Truth's disciple ? 
Problem with Principle must ever ag^ree, 
Or mistakes in the solution there will be ; 
And roug-h and thorny will be the pathway trod, 
Unless we realize our oneness with God : 
They are the bumps men get as they walk life's floor — 
Most of us are babes and can but little more 
Than creep — 

They fall, but, eager to reach the goal 
The}^ rise again, but the road is steep, doubts roll 
Like stones, from other minds as well as their own, 
Doubts as to their firmness, some call it " Back-bone," 
Doubts as to their goodness, their intrinsic worth, 
Their inborn God-likeness, and their royal birth. 
Yet inexperienced, they fall and get a bump. 
Few knew the undeveloped mind ; few saw the lump 
In the anxious throat 

( Every soul is blind which peers 
Into a wayward heart and sees there no tears), 
As they failed, though they did try with all their might. 
Harsh thought said, "Good enough for them," "Serves 
them right," 



29 

"The J knew better," etc. 

O World, wake from sleep, 
Call unto other hearts like deep unto deep, 
Hear sweet Charity as she pleads for every one, 
' ' Father, f org^ive them, they know not what they've done. " 
We came from one source, we journey toward one end. 
All are one in God, let each be to each a friend. 
Let each know that " I and my Father are one," 
And each say, " His will is mine, let it be done." 
Man is one with man. Realize this at-one-ment. 
Man is one with God. This is the true Atonement. 
Stand fast in this Truth wherewith Love hath made you 

free. 
And be as true to Truth as Truth is true to thee. 
Oh ! Call not men poor, crawling- worms of the sod, 
But teach them the Oneness and Allness of God. 
Say not, "There's satan below and God-wrath above," 
But show them the Oneness and Allness of Love. 



30 

" WE CAME FORTH FROM GOD. ' ' 

" We came forth from God." Oli, those precious words, 
By day and by nig-ht they ring- in my ears, 
As sweet as the song- of children and birds. 
For they came to me 'mid sorrow and tears. 

" We came forth from God." I hear the words yet, 
They were spoken so earnest, strong- and plain 
To hearts that were heavy and eyes that were wet. 
Over and over I hear them again. 

" We came forth from God." This sentence contains 
The secret of orig-in and destiny. 
It shows man's real character and explains 
His inheritance and divinity. 

He must be like the Source from which he sprang-, 
A pure stream cannot send forth waters both 

Bitter and sweet. Fig-s on fig-trees must hang. 
For you have heard it said, "A g-ood tree doth 



31 



Bring forth fruit after its kind." God is Good, 
Therefore, doubt not man's inherent g-oodness ; 

Ever since time began the Law has stood 
Firm in its unalterable kindness. 



I am not talking of man's seeming sin, 
Of his false beliefs and his ignorance, 

For they are but the mistakes he makes in 
His blind gropings for his inheritance. 

His inheritance of all that is good, 
All that is pure, true, noble and divine. 
" We came forth from God," or else the Christ could 
Not have said, *'A11 the Father hath is thine." 

I am talking of the immortal man, 

Created in God's own image and likeness; 

Made out of Spirit and divine in plan, 
Begotten in Love and true holiness. 



32 



'* We came forth from God." How full the promise 

Given the children of humanity. 
'* I am the Alpha and Omega." In this 

Lies both our orig-in and destiny. 

"We came forth from God." In Him we are living* 
Like birds in the air and fishes in the sea; 
Are one with Him in essence and being-, 
In Him we abide as the branch in the tree. 



" We came forth from God." We constantly breathe 
Divine substance, holy, spirtual breath. 
Seen or unseen, we His Spirit receive, 
God is all life and there can be no death. 



The earnest soul who did this lesson teach, 
I thank most sincerely. Firmer is trod 

Life's pathway, as we realize and each 

Day repeat his words, "We came forth from God." 



33 

FORGIVE. 

Forth from mj heart spring's a little word, but 

So full of meaning to the human race, 

It holds the power to transform each hut 

And palace into a heavenly place; 

It surg-es throug"h every atom of my 

Being", and finds rest only as it pours 

Itself forth and is met, in other hearts by 

The same word as waves meet their ocean shores, 

I recog"nize a yea, yea, down in the 

Fathomless depths of every throbbing- heart, 

For even thoug-h by all denied, yet we 

Feel that each is of the One Life a part. 

Pure Wisdom forms each atom of the whole. 

Divine blood builds every tissue and cell. 

Truth, wakened or slumbering-, in one soul 

Lies deep in every other soul as well ; 

The g-reat divine inheritance of one, 

Is also the inheritance of all. 

The g-rand qualities of Being- burst forth, 

And like far-oif birds, each to each does call — 

No soil but holds rich treasures in its depths — 

And I know in each of the hearts that live 

There is stored in some one of its secret 

Chambers, that tender, soulful word, forgive. 

Dear friend, have you aug-ht ag-ainst another, 

Believing- some one has done you a wrong-? 

Has your pride been hurt, your feeling-s wounded, 



34 



Either at home or ming-ling- in life's throng- ? 

Do jou still cling to that old seeming- g-rudg-e, 

And think over the wrong- that has been done, 

Then mistake yourself for jour brother's judg-e 

And tell over his faults to every one ? 

Then out from mj soul there spring's this same old 

Word, forgive. It is the Law of Being". 

Being- is God, and God can no more help 

Forg-iving- than lig-ht can keep from shining, 

But He forgives according to a fixed 

Law of His own Being. He forgives just 

As fast as we fulfil His Law. If we, 

Through our blind ignorance, sow tares, we must 

Refit the soil and sow good seed before 

We can reap the golden harvest of right 

Being, right thinking*, right doing. Sin is 

Forgiven only when destroyed. As light 

Forgives darkness by dispelling it, so 

Truth forgives error. Think not that error 

Or sin can be indulged and forgiven. 

That is, wiped out, without suffering, for 

God forgives sin as the principle of 

Mathematics forgives a mistake in 

Numbers — by adjustment only — only 

By at-one-ment with Divine Law can sin 

Be blotted out. Happiness is the state 

Of Being, and he who co-operates 

With the Law of Being masters his fate. 



35 



The keen eye of All- Wise Love penetrates 
Throug-h all darkness and error and beholds 
Itself in the Law, beholds Its living- 
Likeness in man. Action of Law unfolds 
The divine g-erm within him, forg-iving- 
Mistakes as fast as Truth is embodied. 
We forg-ive ourselves when we stop sinning- — 
Falling- short of Truth or missing- the path — 
We must work with the Law unremitting-, 
Or we bruise ourselves, then call it God's wrath. 
"God's wrath ! " Such a thing- is impossible. 
Can lig-ht shed darkness ? Can fire freeze ? No. 
Then why say that God (Perfect Love) can hate ? 
Far better say that waters cannot flow, 
That mighty planets cannot roll in space, 
That the twinkling- stars cannot shine above, 
That the earth cannot send forth flowers fair. 
Than say God cannot be Unchang-ing- Love. 
No ice can withstand the torrid sun's rays 
Nor darkness resist the lig-ht it beg-ets, 
No error can thrive where Truth supreme reigns, 
No hatred where Love forg-ives and forg-ets. 
Would you know happiness — joy, full and free? 
Would you find a lasting- peace and content ? 
Then be forgiveness itself. Be like the 
Sunshine and yours shall be a life well spent. 
Well spent, because the true soul who forgives 
Constantlv, knows that he is no better 



36 



Than tlie most undeveloped child that lives. 
He knows that he is as much a debtor 
To the Principle of his being- as 
Any one else can be. He cannot boast 
Of superiority for he has 
Learned that he who shows forth the most 
Noble attributes and does the most g"Ood, 
Is simply farther advanced in the Laws 
Of spirtual unfoldment ; has stood 
The test of temptation only because 
Of g"reater development of moral 
Strength within him. Thus he takes no credit, 
Neither g"ives credit to any mortal 
For being- good, knowing- that from Spirit 
And Truth universal, each attribute 
Is derived ; that no man orig-inates 
His own g-oodness. Christ g-ave all g-ood repute 
To God, not to self or associates. 
All noble deeds He credited to the 
One God in each personality. 
To Him who is All. " Why callest thou me 
Good? there is none g'ood, but one, that is God." 
See'st thou not that all morality 
Must be God embodied ? Man in order 
To embody the Truth must turn from all 
Condemnation. Charity, the border- 
Land of Love, holds rich treasures g-reat and small. 
Principle does not blame, judge or condemn; 



rf 



Nor does man, when he understands the Law, 

Criticise another for seeming- sin; 

Nor does he mag-nify each fault and flaw. 

He knows he either has or mig-ht have been 

Just as bad, for man is not saved by works, 

But by the Christ Principle of his being-, 

Which shows him that the God-likeness ever lurks 

Beneath the dense shadows of sin, freeing- 

Soon or late, each mentally from the 

Bondag-e of ignorance and error. This 

Principle also teaches him that to be 

Happy he must conform to the Law. Bliss, 

Fullness of joy, is of the Spirit and 

Endures throug-hout all time. Sense pleasures 

Must be redeemed by head and heart and hand. 

Understanding- of Principle measures 

Man's capacity to forgive. It means 

For him to be ever ready and willing 

To help any fellow-creature. He who leans 

Upon Principle for guidance, filling 

Heart and head with only the pure and true, 

Seeing the common origin of all ; 

That the same God who is God of the few 

Is the loving Father of the many. 

Helps to speed the years till error and wrong 

Shall by the right arm of Love be riven, 

Cast in oblivion where they belong — 

Each soul bv both God and man forgfiven. 



e>' 



38 

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION. 

Life is omnipotent, and maketh whole, 
Joy is sunshine for all kinds of weather ; 

Peace is the fragrance from a tranquil soul, 
But it's Love that holds the world tog-ether. 

Hope is a g-uiding- star which never sets, 

Beauty is Soul shining- through Nature's face; 

Understanding, the light which Faith beg-ets. 
But it is Love that holds all thing-s in place. 

Mind is cause. Thoug-ht is the action of Mind, 
Flesh is result. What truly is, is best. 

Mind thinks, showing- forth thought after its kind. 
But Love is the base on which true thoughts rest. 

Man's true, spoken word is a torch to bear. 
Whether he live in a cottag-e or hall; 

Charity, a robe we all need to wear. 

But Love is the sum and substance of all. 



29 



Knowledge has been Power since time began, 
And, thoug-li it's harder to practice than preach, 

Intelligence shows that Mind is the Man, 
And Love is the height to which all things reach. 

Happiness is the crown of every goal, 

Wisdom to Truth, our life-barques tether ; 

Virtue is the nectar of every bowl. 
But it's Love that binds us all together. 

Spirit is substance, from Mind to a clod. 
Kindness, the firm bond between every race ; 

The sum-total of all is Love or God, 

And it's Love holds the Universe in place. 



40 

OVR REDBIRDS. 

On our side porcli railing* there lit one day 
A brig-ht little bird with a coat so g"aj, 

For his plumag^e was red as a red, red rose, 
And a ring- of black feathers encircled his nose. 

He twittered and chirped, as much as to say, 
"If you make a move I will fly rig-ht away." 

And so we kept still while he hopped about, 
Looking- both this way and that way, no doubt, 

To see if we were so extremely neat 

Not a crumb could be found for birdie to eat. 

Down on the porch steps he did quickly pass. 
Then straig-htway hopped out into the g-reen g-rass. 

Soon he loudly chattered, "For g-oodness sake ! 
If here isn't a piece of johnny cake." 

Quickly he closed 'round it his brig-ht red bill, 
Mouse-like we kept ever so still, so still. 

A few more crumbs on the g-round he did spy. 
Then he softly whistled a sweet "g-ood-bye." 

I said to my friend, ' ' Just suppose we take 
And put on that rail some fresh johnny cake. 

We will put the crumbs there, then wait and see 
How much of a temptation it will be." 



41 



The next morning- we watched, and not in vain, 
For back came our whistling- bird ag-ain. 

He found that his breakfast table was spread 
With plenty of water and plenty of bread. 

He chuckled and chattered at a g-reat rate, 
As he hopped on the rail and his breakfast ate. 

The g-rass was pretty under the morning- dew, 
But prettier the bird as he chirped, "Thank you." 

Back to the porch a number of times he came. 
And found his nice table set just the same. 

Then he twittered and chattered, "Now please do 
Just be liberal and set it for two." 

We joyfully added another plate. 

And to see our new g-uest could hardly wait — 

We believed in the divinity of all thing-s made, 
From yon shining- orb to that breakfast laid ; 

We believed that all thing-s were made by Love, 
From the bug-s beneath to the birds above ; 

We believed that all love, howe'er expressed. 
In all living- thing-s is God manifest. 

Be it from man to man in deed and word. 
Or from beast to beast and from bird to bird. 

All life is God-Life. When this is understood, 
We will behold all thing-s as "very g-ood," 



42 



And have charity for every eye that weeps, 

And sympathy for the smallest thing- that creeps — 

Before very many hours could pass, 

My friend chanced to look throug-h the window g-lass, 

And exclaimed, *' Just come and look ! Sure as fate. 
There is our pretty redbird and his mate." 

True enoug-h, there beneath the cherry tree 
Were two birds just as cute as birds could be. 

One with wide open mouth 'twixt lips so red, 
Who was by her companion being- fed 

With a bug or something- else he had found 
As he hopped here and there over the ground. 

Closer and closer they came till he 

Flew to the pump ; she, more timid, chose a tree. 

He coaxed and chattered and told her not to fear. 
That there was no one who would hurt them here. 

At last he proved himself a successful swain, 
His coaxing and cooing had not been in vain ; 

He stood triumphant on the rail ; by his side. 
In all her beauty, stood his gentle bird bride. 

He was as handsome as any bird need be. 
She as sweet and dainty as any you see. 

He wore a suit which was dashingly red. 
While a top-knot crowned each delicate head. 



43 

They were symbols of Love and a pretty pair, 
And all human-kind should their g-entleness share. 

Soon the g-allant husband beg-an to break, 
In his usual way, a piece of johnny cake. 

Then he put some into her open bill, 
While we sat watching, oh, so still, so still. 

Then he chirped and chattered, "Don't be so 'fraid. 
This breakfast on purpose for us was laid." 

But she ate sparingiy, the place was new. 
So they said "bye-bye" and away they flew. 

But the ice was broken, the victory won ; 
No longer need they seek from sun to sun 

For bugs and worms and their daily bread. 
For a bountiful table now is spread 

On that porch railing, and for a plate 
Is used, not china, but a great big slate. 

From everything good in the eatable line, 
A little is put on that slate 'neath the vine. 

And the redbirds come at their own sweet will. 
And twitter and chatter a "Peace be still." 

They whistle and talk to us every day. 

Their beauty and song does all kindness repay. 

They are building a nest very close, I hear. 

Thus proving the proverb that Love casts out fear. 



44 

LIFE'S LESSONS. 

Had sorrow always passed me hy. 
And had I never known pain ; 

Had temptation never come nig*h, 
And doubt never crossed my brain ; 

Had despair never touched my brow, 
And had I never known sin ; 

Had I to God no broken vow, 
No tempests rag-ing- within ; 

Had my life been all brig-ht sunshine 
And never ming-led with rain ; 

Had worldly pleasures all been mine. 
Would all this have been real g-ain ? 

I might have lost that deeper joy 

Which sprang- forth from life's crosses, 

Or missed the Truth without alloy, 
Which compensates life's losses. 



45 



Had I of sorrow had no part, 
I could never have been drawn 

So close to humanity's heart, 
And into its depths have g-one 

So that I could feel its beating- 
And its warm blood ebb and flow, 

As sense pleasures seem retreating-, 
And desires come and g-o, 

I mig-ht have lacked true sympathy 
For the hearts I meet each day ; 

I mig-ht have lacked sweet charity 
For all who have missed the way. 

I am a nobler, truer friend. 

Not a child of earth is spurned; 

Each has my friendship to the end. 
For the lessons I have learned. 



46 

LITTLE BY LTTTLE. 

Little bj little the Truth-seekers grow, 
They note not their prog'ress but yet we know 
God-Life through them is forever flowing, 
Cleansing- and healing-, warming- and g-lowing" ; 
Beliefs in matter, evil and decay, 
Little by little are passing- away. 

Day by day are scattered the seeds of Love, 
While error by error they rise above ; 
Steadfast and persistent, the Truth they seek, 
And over and over the true word speak ; 
Listening- to the " still, small voice within," 
Little by little the prize they win. 

Month by month tog-ether they hold the true thoug-ht. 
From its hig-h ideals noble lives are wrought. 
Making God manifest, none can well shirk. 
Each for himself must accomplish the work. 
Though fear and hope alternate seize the soul, 
God's hand with wisdom is guiding the whole. 



47 



In the loom of Mind, with the shuttle thought, 
They are slowly weaving- what can't be bought ; 
An understanding- heart, a conscience white. 
As little by little they do what's right; 
To entwine the thoughts with a master's skill, 
They must work as one with the Infinite Will. 

Step by step they climb the great spiritual height, 
Walking by faith till clearer grows their sight. 
Thought upon thought from the All-Good they build, 
Till with Faith, Hope and Love their hearts are filled 
So full that to others they must overflow. 
To some weary watcher his True Self show. 

Year after year on they press without strife. 
Their guide — He who is the Way, Truth and Life. 
As one by one does the Great Truth release. 
Soul by soul comes into its inward peace. 
Till their highest praise of Divinity 
They voice together in glad symphony. 



48 

STAND IN THE SUNLIGHT, 

Stand in the brig-ht sunlig-ht of God, 
Its g-ood is always shining-, 

It penetrates the darkest clouds, 
And g-ilds a g-olden lining. 

Stand in the bright sunshine of Hope, 
It strengthens the heart each day. 

And sheds rich beauty and gladness 
On all who may pass its way. 

Stand in the bright sunshine of Peace, 

And let it reflect on all ; 
It will yield no bitter remorse, 

For its cup holds joy, not gall. 

Stand in the bright sunshine of Love, 

In it no error can thrive ; 
It is the elixir of Life 

And keepeth the soul alive. 



49 



Stand in the brig-ht sunshine of Truth, 

Its rajs are shining- steel ; 
It claims naug-ht that is unlike God, 

And knows only g-ood is real. 

Stand in the brig-ht sunshine of Life, 
In it is no death for the soul ; 

It is the quintessence of Being-, 
And maketh *' every whit whole." 

Stand in the sunlig-ht of Power, 
Power that comes from on hig-h. 

Power that spring-s forth from Spirit, 
And concentrates in the '* I." 

Stand in the brig-ht sunlight of Faith, 
'Twill g-leam on the pathway trod. 

Be loyal and true, let naug-ht come 
Between yourself and your God. 



50 

GRASP GOOD ONLY. 

O world, all that God is, or made, is g-ood. 
The One, only Creator, created 

Nothing- unlike Himself. Truth is unsealed ; 
Grasp it so firmly that your fixed oneness 
With the immutable, unchangeable 

Law of absolute Good ma}^ be revealed. 
All that is g-ood — grasp it so, grasp it so ; 
But all error — let it go, let it go. 

Dear one, every soul is centered in Love, 
Centered in the one great Source of all-good ; 

We are pushed from and by this one Life-force 
Into existence. Our false beliefs and 
Ignorance of Truth is what ails us all. 

Remedy — find, then abide in our Source. 
All true goodness — grasp it so, grasp it so ; 
But all hatred — let it go, let it go. 

Which do you most see, the good or error. 
In another ? If you see and praise the 

Good you help unfold it, but his mistakes — 
Help him to destroy them with the Truth, thus 
Forgive them and forget them, let them go. 

By recognizing only the good, man makes 
The without as the within. Friend or foe, 
Remember not his error, let it go. 



51 



Faults and wrong-s you find in others or in 
Self, justig-nore them, let them g-o ; then grasp 

The opposite g-ood — the rig-ht — with so g-reat 
A firmness that it can but replace them. 
Only g"ood can overcome evil, and 

The true must dispel the false, soon or late. 
The Christ-truth in each soul — g"rasp, g-rasp it so, 
But his errors — let them die, let them g-o, 

Porg-ive them and forg-et them, let them go, 
It will make the world a happier place. 

Than to cling* to the g"rudges and the slig"hts. 
Let your love be like the sun, shining- on 
All alike, lig-hting- dark places, turning- 

Away wrath, filling- the world with delig-hts. 
All the g-ood you find — g-rasp it, g-rasp it so 
That the error will have to, have to g-o. 

See the Man, the Real Man, the Christ Man, in 
Every soul you meet ; behold this Imag-e 

And likeness of God ; g-rasp it, don't let it 
Go ; cherish it as a true and tried friend ; 
Know that the errors and false beliefs do 

Not belong- to him. He is pure spirit. 
All that is g-ood and God-like — g-rasp it so, 
But all that is unlike God — let it g-o. 



a 



TWO WORLDS. 

There are two worlds lying- side by side> 
One unseen, the other the seen ; 

One is deep and the other is wide, 
Both are formed from Spirit, I ween. 

One is cause, the other is effect, 

And both I call spiritual ; 
One is acknowledged to be perfect, 

But some call one material. 

The realm of Mind and the world of clay, 

Are the ideal and the real ; 
One we revere and sometimes obey. 

The other with the senses feel. 

We each of us build our own thought world, 

We make it either g-lad or sad, 
According to the kind of thoughts hurled 

From our mind, whether sfood or bad. 



53 

THE STORY OF A BROKEN LENS, 

I am only a broken lens, 

Not even encased in a bow, 
But I have a little story 

That I want all my friends to know — 
It may do you good ; for sometime, 

Somewhere, you may chance to meet 
A fellow like the one I did. 

Within your home or on the street. 

It was an ideal morning- 

In the beautiful month of May, 
Just such a lovely morning- 

As precedes an ideal day ; 
I lay on my mistress' table 

So happy and content, 
For my partner and myself 

Were never on sensation bent. 

Our g-reatest joy was in resting- 

Quietly on our mistress' nose. 
For she sometimes needs friends like us 

When she reads and when she sews. 
I lay there resting- and dreaming- 

And listening- to the May birds sing, 
When I was startled by hearing- 

The door-bell g-o ting--a-ling--ling-. 



54 



M}^ mistress, who was near by, stepped 

Forward with all her usual grace, 
And met a dignified stranger — 

With a big satchel — face to face. 
I judged from his mien and manner 

He was Aladdin's Magician, 
But he presently announced that 

He was an "expert optician." 



Then, stepping across the threshold, 

Gave himself an invitation 
To deliver to his hearers 

A fine optical oration ; 
Which he did with an eloquence 

Excelled by none, equalled by few. 
As he tried to convince my mistress 

That her blue eyes were all askew. 



With one she could eas}^ see afar, 

With the other only close b}- ; 
To make them both alike, he said, 

Was not one bit of use to try ; 
For his test machine was exact. 

And both of them he had tested, 
In spite of the fact that she. 

In her gentle way, had protested. 



i 



55 



Then he found that at least in one thing- 
She was bound she would have her way, 

She would not purchase spectacles 
Of him, or anyone that day ; 

She would not buy his g-lasses and 
Pay him two dollars and a half ; 

She could get them for fifty cents 

Elsewhere, and how it made us laug-h. 



But our laug-hing- turned to terror 

As the g-reat optician said, 
"Let me see your g-lasses, madam, 

The ones you find oft on your head." 
My trusting- mistress then picked us up ; 

I would have screamed outright 
And told her not to do such a thing-, 

But so extreme was my frig-ht 



I could not speak a word, so she 

Handed us over to that man. 
A friend who had been very busy 

Writing- at her desk, then beg-an 
To take more than a passing- interest 

In what was being- said and done ; 
She turned and watched the optician 

As he wiped us one by one. 



56 



On his pocket handkerchief. How he 

Polished mj mate and then rubbed me, 
Just as though we had never had 

A bath, and through us no one could see. 
Then he mixed us with his glasses 

Which he had brought with him, to show 
How it takes such different lens 

To fit different eyes, you know. 

Then, oh ! All at once — '' presto change "- 

Another lens was in my place. 
And soon with my blest companion 

Was put on my dear mistress' face. 
Where I went I hardly knew, 

For I was scared almost to death. 
So fast I flew from place to place, 

It quite took all my breath. 

My innocent mistress did not 

See me, neither did my friend, 
But I saw a look upon her face 

Which I did quickly comprehend, 
As she noted with what positiveness 

The learned agent put to rout 
All statements that my lady's eyes 

Were just alike ; "Without a doubt 



57 



You never noticed it before," 

He said ; "Nevertheless, 'tis true ; 
Here are your g-lasses ; see, they speak 

For themselves. Now try to look throug-h 
Them and read from this newspaper, 

First with one eye, then with the other. 
Don't you see, your eyes are no more 

Alike than sister and brother ? " 



But in spite of this powerful 

Argument he had to fail. 
He could not persuade my mistress - 

Nor of his glasses make a sale. 
Then there came a funny feeling 

In the region of my heart. 
As he tossed her " specs " into her lap 

And then prepared to depart ; 



For I did not want my mistress 
Left in such an awkward plight, 

With one eye close up to her nose. 
And the other way out of sight. 

My faithful friend then leaned forward — 
The agent looked cold enough to freeze — 

As with a gracious smile, she said, 

"Just let me see them, please," 



58 



She took the spectacles in her hand 

And g-ave them just one glance, 
Then said, "Pray, pardon me, but there 

May have been a mistake, perchance. 
For as sure as men are only lads g-rown 

Tall, and women but grown up lasses, 
I tell you frankly, just so sure. 

These are not the lady's glasses," 



A look of strange bewilderment 
Quickly covered the agent's face. 

But with feigned composure, he said, 
'*If you can find them any place 

Among my goods — you are welcome 

To search my satchel through and through 

You can take them ; they may have got 
Mixed up with the rest, it is true." 

But my friend, who had been closely 

Studying him while he was speaking, 
Did not move, for she much preferred 

To have him do the seeking. 
Which he did most thoroughly. 

For he had nothing else to do ; 
And yet, I was so very close 

I could have scared them b}^ saying " Boo. 



i> 



59 



But I kept as still as a mouse, 

And let him searcli throughout his pack 
Over and over again, 

Back and forth and forth and back. 
At last, turning to my mistress, 

He exclaimed in sheer despair, 
'* Are you quite sure, noble madam, 

That those are not your glasses there ? " 

'* Quite sure, " she replied, "To prove it 

I will tell you the reason why ; 
The missing lens has two small nicks, 

One on each side. Now you may try, 
Sir, to find a nick in this one." 

But he did not try. Instead, 
Over his case of glasses 

He quietly bowed his head, 

And looked again in vain to find 

The missing lens ; then he replied, 
" I cannot find it, neither can 

I make it." With this he tried 
To look as though all that was 

Possible to do, had been done. 
Then he leaned back in his chair, and 

His eyes sparkled — but not with fun. 



60 



While I saw in my friend's mirthful 

Kjes as plain as in any book, 
That she was thinking- that there was 

Yet one more place for him to look ; 
She pitied him, but quickly said, 
"Pray, sir, look in your pockets." 
It was like a dynamite bomb, 

And burst his eyes most from their sockets. 

While my good mistress held up her hands 

And thought my friend exceeding- rude, 
Thoug-h she confessed that she herself 

Was with some such a thoug-ht imbued. 
The warm blood then mounted to the 

Agent's brow, for he was well awoke, 
And knew that his next sentences 

Must be studied before he spoke. 

" Think you that I have stolen the 

Glasses ? Can you possibly see 
Any plausible reason why 

They would be of use to me ? 
If I have taken them, I will 

Give a brand new pair of lens 
As a present to the lady." 

And before this story ends. 



61 



You will see that this last statement 

Of his was very true indeed, 
For to try to prove his innocence, 

Of course there was not any need. 
His ang-er increased, and he was 

Not the same g-entleman ag-ain ; 
For his error had been wounded. 

And was writhing in its pain. 

My friends both tried to comfort him. 

And smooth his ruffled feathers down, 
But it was of no use ; he only 

Scorned them, and answered with a frown. 
My friend said if she had misjudged 

Him, it might to him a lesson be, 
So the next place he went, he would 

Be extra careful and see 



That he did not mix up other 

People's spectacles with his own. 
He spoke up very sharp and stern 

Quite different from his usual tone. 
*' I guess I know enough to attend 

To my own business." It scared me, 
I thought he would eat her up, for 

He looked as cross as cross could be. 



62 



"Perhaps jou do," my friend replied, 
*' But there is one thing- very clear. 
That with all your boasted confidence, 

You surely did not know it here." 
Then I knew he wished he could have 

Been an "African mag-ician," 
For just a little while instead 

Of an "expert optician." 

At last he saw that there was left 

But one thing- more for him to do, 
And that was to fulfil the most 

Willing promise he had made to 
My friend. Therefore, he took my 

Mistress' "specs," and quick as a wink 
Out went my cherished companion. 

And that other lens, don't you think, 

And in their place a nice new pair 
Of lens, numbered just the same, 

Por you see he knew, without any 
Testing-, just how the numbers came 

To fit my lady's eyes. He was 

Such an expert that he could just strike 

The rig-ht ones ; for, he said to her, 

" You can see through these both alike." 



63 



It was very funny how quick 

Her eyes, which had been so askew, 
Became as near alike as two peas. 

As thoug-h they had been made brand new. 
Our visitor arose but made 

A little speech before he went ; 
He had traveled much and was by 

An optical company sent 

To examine eyes free of charg-e. 

And all his work was guaranteed. 
Guaranteed to be, or not to 

Be ; which, I cannot say indeed. 
*'To read and see at a distance 

With the same glass," he comprehends 
What it is to be *' manufacturer 

Of this new bi-focal lens." 



He said he had been in many homes, 

And he spoke this with much feeling, 
But this was the first time he had 

Ever been accused of stealing. 
With this remark, he and his satchel 

Vanished quickly out of the door. 
Leaving poor me, with both my nicks, 

Not far behind him on the floor. 



64 



I was rig-ht back of his satchel, 

Just underneath an easy chair, 
And it was strang-e that none of them. 

Not even he, had seen me hiding- there. 
Soon my friend spied me, picked me up. 

And g-ave a cry of g-reat surprise. 
As she saw my two nicks and held 

Me up before my mistress' eyes. 

They could not help but laug"h as they 

Gazed into each others' faces ; 
Shall I tell you what they said while 

He went on to other places 
In search of fresh subjects ? For doubtless 

He had played this same g-ame before. 
They talked the experience over 

For a day or two or more. 

Did they see him as a wicked 

Man, who was completely bad. 
Because he tried to swindle them, 

And failing-, became slig-htly mad ? 
Did they condemn him for being- 

So dishonest and deceitful ? 
Did they blame him because he was 

Both treacherous and ung-rateful ? 



65 



No indeed, for my blessed mistress 

Is so exceeding- g-ood and kind, 
She quietly remarked, " There is 

A man I call morally blind." 
My friend said, "He is like all the 

Rest of us, he needs to annex 
Unto his mental faculties 

A pair of spiritual ' specs. 



) ?) 



" I tell you, thing's are put upon 

People," my mistress often said. 
Her heart is big- and deep and broad, 

And on all humanity shed 
Its warm rays of love and truth and 

Tender compassion for the erring- ; 
In its depths the g-reat, g-rand qualities 

Of true womanhood are stirring-. 

They both ag-reed it was a severe 
Case of astig-matic blindness. 

As he seemed to lack what is some- 
Times called "the milk of human kindness ; " 

No matter how severe the case, 

No matter what's been done, mark this, 

What Shakespeare said is very true : 

" Ig-norance is the only darkness." 



66 



He did not know the Law, that the 

Good of one is the g-ood of all, 
And the wrong* we do to others 

Reacts and on ourselves does fall ; 
He could not see that an honest 

Mind is the only source of wealth, 
And that soul as well as body. 

He should keep in perfect health. 

But you say that he knew better — 

That he knew he was doing wrong- 
In taking from another what 

He knew did not to him belong. 
Yes, I grant he had been told, and 

Perhaps believed it in his head ; 
Perhaps be had heard it many 

Times and about it he had read ; 



But this can never save a man 

From committing a so-called sin, 
For intelligence and heart-wisdom 

Are unfolded from within. 
You may employ a thousand men 

And give to each a pail or bowl, 
Then tell them to carry water 

And pour it in a hole, 



67 



But you will never have a lake 

Nor a stream that will not g"o dry, 
For every self sufficient things 

Has in itself its own supply. 
Every lake and river takes its 

Rise in accord with Nature's laws, 
And every man has a soul spring* 

Within, fed from the First Great Cause, 



So all man can do for self or 

To help unfold his brother man, 

Is to see this divine spring with- 
in and work as one with its plan ; 

From it flows all g-oodness and 

Honesty, all virtue and true worth ; 

It contains all the attributes 

Of God. Man is It showing forth. 

To see the lig-ht of Life and Truth 
In every man and bid it shine, 

Is the only way to over- 
Come the darkness of sin and shame ; 

To blame, condemn and harshly judg^e 
Another for being- unkind. 

Is to cover up our own true 

Lig'ht, and be ourselves quite blind. 



68 



Wait, Love will unfold the g-ood in 

Each, and peace adorn every brow ; 
Work, knowing- that each is doings 

The best he, in his heart, knows how ; 
The best that his present realization 

Of Absolute Truth will permit. 
Condemn not, judg-e not, but let thy 

Face with sweet charity be lit. 

The deep yearning's and striving's of 

Others are by us oft unguessed ; 
Many a rose of triumph buds and 

Blooms unseen in each human breast. 
Error is not in the Real Man, 

Himself, but in his false belief, 
Knowledg'e of truth, of what he really 

Is, is his only relief. 

Love every child of earth, leave not 

One out. Look beneath faults and flaws. 
The same Life lives us all ; all are 

Children of the one and only Cause. 
One is no better than another. 

For the seeming' difference lies 
In their degree of soul-consciousness 

Or unfoldment, for each one tries 



69 



In his own degree. It is a g-ift, 
Therefore neither you nor I 

Can do more in our deg-ree than 
He in his. If so, tell me why. 

Could we abide in the consciousness 
That man in God is wholly free, 

Our charity would cover all, 

"As the waters cover the sea." 



We would speak kindly to the erring-. 

And would never, never forget 
That with their apparent mistakes 

And with all their seeming- sin, yet, 
They are joint-heirs to the same g-ood ; 

Children of the very same God ; 
Perhaps we fell much oftener, 

According- to the path we've trod. 

There, I have told my little story, 

And taug-ht opticians another trick ; 
For if they read this and still deceive, 

They will be sure the lens has no nick. 
But God g-rant all may learn much more 

From this story of a broken lens. 
That g-ood alone bring-s true happiness ; 

And here, with this wish, my story ends. 



THE POWER THAT WON. 

Master, luhich is the great commandment in the taiv ? 

Jesus said unto him. Thou shalt love the Lord thy Godivith 
alt thy heart, and <zvith all thy soul, and 'with all thy mind. 

This is the first and great commandment* 
And the second is like unto it* 77)ou shalt love thy neighbour 
as thyself. 

On these t<u)o commandments hang all the la<=w and the 
prophets,- MATT XXII: 36-40, 

As it lays the form of its martyred chieftain near its 

final rest, 
Our strong- nation, as thougfh but one heart beat within 

its noble breast, 
Stands with bowed head, crushed by a g*reat g-rief it 

knows not how to express ; 
Faced with a most serious error it knows not how to 

redress. 

Was it his gifted statesmanship, alone, which moves 
the heart and head, 

And makes all nations join in praise of our own illus- 
trious dead ? 

What was the principal gift which has so immortalized 
his name ? 

Which has accomplished the most good and added to his 
country's fame ? 



71 

It is that true spirit of love which permeated all his 

deeds, 
Which is much broader than all parties and far hig-her 

than all creeds ; 
It compelled him to plead for peace on earth and also 

made him ken, 
And feel that man's power lay in love of right and all 

his fellowmen. 

The power that won the hearts of the people here and 

o'er the sea, 
Is the selfsame power that bring-s us all " Nearer, My 

God, to Thee." 
Mighty power ! Of pure unselfish love for every race 

and clan ; 
This, the secret of all his triumphs — love to God and 

love to man. 

God reigns. Though we do not understand the ways of 

Infinite Mind, 
Yet, like an Infinite Mother, its heart is infinitely 

kind. 
Great nations, like great hearts, are sometimes purified 

by deep sorrow ; 
In our sad to-day we forget that blessings may come 

to-morrow. 



72 

For the loved wife and relatives who have gathered 

about his bier ; 
For the host of devoted comrades who have come from 

far and near ; 
For all his loyal associates, and sacred friendships 

old and new ; 
For all the brave and loving- hearts, everywhere, the 

faithful, tried and true ; 

For the undeveloped souls who have not yet found the 

Christ within ; 
For all those who apparently are still steeped in 

seeming- sin ; 
For him whose dense mental darkness is as dark as the 

darkest nig-ht ; 
For each and all, his spirit speaks the prayerful words, 
^'Lead, Kindly Lig-ht. " 

September 19, 1901. 



OPTIMISM. 

Read some g-ood poem every mornings, 

Its words will help you tliroug-h the day, 
Be the weather cloudy or storming-, 

Its joy will help you smile and say, 
*' Above the clouds the sun is shining-. 

They are hovering- as the nig-ht ; 
To reveal their gold tinted lining-, 

My soul shines as a candle brig-ht. 

" I behold only the best in all, 

No life but holds some sacred g-ood ; 
I cling- to this g-ood, however small. 

Until the rest is understood. 
I have buried the unpleasant thing-s. 

Deep down in past memory's fen. 
I now shed the peace forg-iveness brings, 

And judge kindly my fellow men." 

Read another one, with your story. 

After the sun rolls down the west. 
After the stars have donned their glory, 

And all nature has gone to rest. 
It will help you rise above earth's care, 

Into the pure white light which gleams, 
From the soul's high mountain of prayer, 

And which reflects in peaceful dreams. 



74 



THANKSGIVING EVE. 

The glad reunion day is nearly here, 
The sweetest, saddest day in all the year, 
The day when joy is tempered with a tear, 
Thanksgiving-. 

In each heart is mingled emotions rare, 
Kach table has its pleasure and its care, 
And nine out of ten has its vacant chair, 
Thanksgiving. 

Yet, I feel another table is spread 
With heavenly wine and spiritual bread, 
For all those whom we have long mourned as dead. 
Thanksgiving. 

From loved ones here to the loved ones there, e'en 
My soul seems to rise till I stand between 
The visible things and the Great Unseen. 
Thanksgiving. 



75 



As I close my eyes and with the mind see, 
They seem so very, very close to me, 
I behold them just as they used to be, 
Thanksg'iving-. 

And wonder if in that home over there. 
There is waiting- for us an empty chair. 
That we may, sometime, their reunion share. 
Thanksgiving-. 

We praise Thee, O God, we truly are glad 
For truth we now see, for good we have had ; 
Some joys are so sweet they almost seem sad, 
Thanksgiving. 

There is much to be thankful for, but of 
Choicest manna handed us from above. 
The best, O Father, is life, faith and love, 
Thanksgiving. 



76 



CHRISTMAS CHIMES. 

Merrj Christmas chimes are ringing-, 
Time's cycle has ag-ain turned 'round. ; 

Happy hearts are swiftly bring-ing-, 
Forth the echo of their clear sound, 

Rich voices are sweetly sing-ing", 

"The new-born Christ of God is found." 

Found in the manger of each soul. 

All wrapped in Virtue's g-arments white ; 

The perfect imag-e of the whole, 
A True Self all ag-low with lig-ht ; 

While Truth does down the eons roll, 
This star of Love ever shines brig-ht. 

This first-born child of the All-Good, 

Is the Real Self of every one. 
When this g-reat Truth is understood, 

Each g-ladly says, "Thy will be done." 
Knowing- the world's g-reat brotherhood, 

Is an expression of this Son. 



NEW YEAR'S BELLS. 

Yes, ring" in each New Year, ring- sweetly, bells, ring- I 

Though thej fij quickly by like birds on the wing-. 

The ones that have vanished I cannot call old, 

Thoug-h their moons are past, yet their jewels I hold. 

The g-ood, I retain as a souvenir, dear years ; 

In the g-rave of the wrong- I bury my tears. 

I lift my heart, and pray that I may atone, 

Errors overcome, and false idols dethrone. 

Each year brings its secrets, be they sad or sweet, 

Each hour lays them, one by one, at our feet, 

For us to pick up and transform as we will. 

To turn to a blessing- or spurn as an ill. 

Are our errors stepping-stones, and g-ood beg-et ? 

Or must we view them with vain, useless regret ? 

O ring- in each New Year, ring sweetly, bells, ring- ! 

And whatever of joy or sorrow they bring, 

Bring- also the power to master false fate — 

For a soul one with God there is no too late. 

Whatever man's error, refuse it a throne. 

Deny it can rule, its seeming- strength disown. 

Nothing but Good is self-existent and real. 

Bestow on it your loyal homag-e and zeal. 

Only Good, Truth, Love, are eternal as Life, 

All error must fall by its own weig-ht in strife. 

To no Time, no Past, no Future, can we bow. 

But to the ever-present, eternal Now. 

Only in the now can we give love and cheer, 

So ring , sweet bells, ring ! Ring in the Glad New Year I 



78 



COULD I! 

This dear old world is so full of good thoug-hts, 
From the dull gray earth to the sky so blue ; 

In the fleecy clouds I see them inwrought, 
In the dark soil beneath I see them, too ; 

Could I but copy them down ! 

I see in the valleys and the mountains, 

Sweet sacred thoughts and tender Odes are lain ; 

I see them in the rocks and the fountains, 
I see them in the sunshine and the rain ; 

Could I but copy them down ! 

The lowliest glen and the highest hill, 

The tall stately oak and the creeping vine, 

The limpid lake and the waterfall's rill. 

All speak with an eloquence quite sublime ; 
Could I but copy it down ! 

There are verses rare in the twinkling stars. 
And the " Man in the Moon " has much to say ; 

There are speeches bright as little red Mars, 
And poems galore in the Milky Way ; 

Could I but copy them down ! 



There is poetry down in the river's bed, 
And more scattered over Sahara's sand ; 

The earth's mines are rich v^ith Epics unsaid, 
And song's unsung* lie on the ocean's strand ; 
Could I but copy them down ! 

I see sermons in fields of golden g-rain, 
While each flower holds a secret in hand ; 

I see them on the hillside and the plain, 
While the forests are full of Lyrics g-rand ; 

Could I but copy them down ! 

Does God think throug-h the flowers and the trees ? 

Does He speak throug-h man and nature so fair ? 
Does He sing through the birdlings and the bees ? 

I see His thoughts and His words everywhere ; 
Could I but copy them down ! 



80 



/ WANT. 

You have heard of the letter a little g'irl wrote 

To Santa Claus of old ; 
How many and varied were the g'ifts she craved, 

More than her house could hold. 

Dear friends, I feel so much like that child to-nig*ht. 

As from my heart there spring-s 
A g-reat desire. For all mankind, not just for self, 

I want so many thing-s. 

I want Good alone to rule, without as within 

The life of every man ; 
I want him to know that he is a perfect part 

Of the eternal plan. 

And that each fellow-mortal born into this world 

Is just as g-ood as he ; 
You doubt it ? Well, we all have our faults and failing's, 

And none of us are free. 



81 



Then what rig-ht have wetojudg-e ? None at all, I claim, 

Instead, let us fashion 
In our mind, hig-her ideals, more loving- thoug-hts, which 

Kmbody compassion. 

Compassion ! O thou sweet sister of Charity, 

Abide in me, I pray ; 
Never leave me, for I want real, true symyathy 

For every one alway. 

Be they overcome by either sin or sorrow, 

Whether an oath or moan 
Burst from their lips, I know way down deep each one has 

A heart just like my own. 

It is not for me to say of them, "They can 

Do better if they try ; " 
It is for me to help, encourag-e and uplift, 

Knowing- well that had I 

Been born in just their place and with their power — 

And can't you every one 
Afi&rm ? Had we been just like them we should do just 

The same as they have done. 



82 

And had we, just as we are, been born in their place, 

How many do you say — 
With their same trials and temptations — could have done 

One half as well as thej ? 

I want no aching- hearts ; no selfish, unkind thoughts ; 

No tears for eves to shed ; 
I want the world to be happy ; joy to prevail, 

And peace crown every head. 

I want health and strength and power to take the throne 

And weakness put to rout ; 
I want knowledge to take the place of ignorance, 

And sin be blotted out. 

I want every homeless wanderer comfortably 

Housed and clothed and fed ; 
And the Christ within turn each from error's way, and 

All be divinely led. 

I want that far-off heaven moved and brought close by — 

At every fireside ; 
I want the Truth— that God is Good and God is All — 

Realized far and wide. 



83 



I want a mind as clean, a heart as pure, as a 

Knig-ht of the Holy Grail ; 
I want eyes to pierce the dense darkness of the grave, 

And see beyond that vale. 

I want those dear ones, for a moment, to turn and 

Greet us at Love's portal ; 
I want ears to hear their words of cheer, telling- us, 
"All life is immortal." 

I want the nations to stop their fighting-, and seek 

Wisdom rather than g-old ; 
I want, yes, I want all these thing's and many more, 

The half I have not told. 

Wise men tell us, these are our inheritance now. 

If we could but believe ; 
Perhaps we hold them as the acorn holds the oak, 

If we could but receive. 

How are we to unfold ? I know of but one way — 

Desire, work and trust ; 
We feel a need and open our soul in prayer ; 

Then to attain, we must 



S4 

Strive unceasing-ly, not doubting- but that all things 

Work together for g-ood ; 
Have no creed but Truth ; no shrine but a holy heart ; 

No power but God ; 

See only Good ; fix our g"aze on the Absolute ; 

Know that to It belong- 
All triumphs, Truth over error, Life over death, 

And right over wrong. 

Trust the Great Heart of the Eternal ; know in It 

All life's treasures abound ; 
Know that we came forth from It, are one with It, 

Then our birthright is found. 

Those stars up there say ' ' Be faithful, ' ' while yonder moon 

Bids me shed my pale light ; 
May each tomorrow's sun still greater blessings bring you ; 

Good night, dear friends, good night. 



Jan. 30 lOOa 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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